Rebmann Good Bet To Make Pro Ranks

It has been almost five years since Eric Rebmann was dominant in the Broward County Junior Golf Association. Back then he was talented, carefree and a gambler.

After four years of college experience Rebmann remains talented, but he`s more serious now. As far as gambling goes, he`s betting his future that he will be able to make golf his profession.

``It`s going to take a lot of work, but I`m in a position now where I can give it a shot,`` Rebmann said.

A recent graduate of and former golfer for the University of Tennessee, Rebmann will attempt to obtain his PGA Tour card and turn professional by winter.

He knows his chances of making it on the first try are as slim as the shaft on his 3-iron. But like thousands of others, Rebmann, 23, will give it his best shot.

``I have a good feeling about my game,`` Rebmann said. ``I`ve always been fairly consistent and I`m always trying to improve. I`m pretty close to getting my game where I want it to be.``

But like an Olympic hurdler, Rebmann knows he still has a few more obstacles to leap.

``Once you have the stroke down, the biggest hurdle is experience,`` Rebmann said. ``You progress in levels. The most important one is having that experience to help you handle certain situations. And pressure.``

Friend, teacher and employer Jerry Sehlke, golf pro at Rolling Hills Country Club in Davie, agrees Rebmann is close.

``The strongest part of his game is discipline, and the weakest is experience,`` said Sehlke, who has worked with Rebmann for seven years. ``Eric is one of the most dedicated, sincere individuals I`ve ever known. He`s interested in his career, knows what he has to do to win and tries to go out there and do it.``

For the past six years, Rebmann has worked part-time summers at Rolling Hills. He helps maintain the course and does other odd jobs -- not to line his pockets with cash, but to stay close to the roots of the game.

``I`ve seen him work eight or nine hours for me and then the minute he gets off, he`s out on the range practicing or playing,`` Sehlke said. ``Like all good golfers, Eric realizes it takes a lot of work. In golf it`s you against nature, and the only way you`re going to succeed is to learn from experience how to handle situations. And pressure.``

Rebmann`s plans are to compete in the Space Coast Mini-Tour beginning this fall and also attempt to gain his PGA Tour card at one of the nation`s many qualifying schools.

``You start out with a thousand guys trying to qualify, and by the time it`s over there are 50 left,`` Rebmann said. ``A lot of guys had to try several times before making it.``

Playing mini-tour events will help Rebmann gain experience. Playing for money in pressure situations will enhance his chances of success.

Rebmann has been a good player since taking up golf at 12. He won the Julius Boros Award for the lowest stroke average three consecutive years while playing summers in the Broward County Junior Golf Association. He also was the top golfer for three years at South Plantation High School, winning about 85 percent of his school`s matches.

At Tennessee, Rebmann had a 73.8 stroke average. He was rated one of the team`s top two players and helped the Vols to fourth place in the Southeast Conference. As a sophomore, Rebmann qualified for the NCAA Nationals but failed to make the final cut by three strokes.

``I`ve had my good tournaments, but it`s hard to put everything together all the time in this sport,`` Rebmann said. ``I think I`ve reached a point where I`m no longer just concentrating on the fundamentals. I`m trying to learn how to handle the game in a variety of situations.``

Before turning professional, Rebmann said he wants to compete in the United States Amateur at Jupiter Hills Country Club Aug. 25-31.

``Every round I play from now on in tournaments will help me build experience,`` Rebmann said. ``I will always enjoy the game, but I will be playing for a different reason from now on. I`d love to make golf my profession.

``If there is no light at the end of the tunnel, I will give it up. If it doesn`t work out, well, I don`t want to look at it that way.``

ERIC REBMANN

Golfer

AGE: 23.

HONORS: Was a top collegiate golfer for three years at the University of Tennessee, won the Julius Boros Award for lowest stroke average three consecutive years in the Broward County Junior Golf Association and was the No. 1 golfer for three years at South Plantation High School.

GOALS: To play on the Space Coast Mini Golf Tour and to attempt to earn his PGA Tour card.

QUOTE: ``Once you have the stroke down, the biggest hurdle is experience. You progress in levels. The most important one is having that experience to help you handle certain situations. And pressure.``